Lotus Elise S2 2-Eleven

April 2007 - Production

The Lotus 2-Eleven was initially available in Launch Edition specification only, with a three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme. It was available in two versions - Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) fitted with variable traction control, lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other equipment to comply with UK road legal requirements and Track Only Version with variable traction control, an enhanced aerodynamics package including high down-force single-plane carbon fibre rear wing, high down-force front splitter, brake lights, rear indicators and FIA approved drivers race seat. At launch the car is limited to 50 cars only.

The basic car costs £39,995, although the road-going version costs £1,100 more, and includes delivery, pre delivery inspection, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months' tax, a full tank of fuel and SVA test. It's only available in the track-only option outside the UK.

The car weighs 745kg when ready to drive and has 252 bhp from its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine. The engine has an 8,000rpm red-line and uses a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism so that it doesn't use the engine's oil), run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving. An Accusump is included, along with Twin oil coolers.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) - using the same spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type differential is fitted as standard. The Lotus switchable Traction Control System (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above five mph and reacts more quickly than many brake-based systems apparemtly.

The 2-Eleven uses a high-sided variant of the Elise's chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear. This results in a strong and stiff package. A glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure and an FIA compliant six-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanised steel rear subframe, provide further safety.

The bodywork features a new light-weight composite bodywork weighing 40Kg and using core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair. The wheels are five-spoke light-weight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17), with Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17). The brake system includes 288 mm cast iron cross drilled and ventilated discs, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (aluminium alloy AP Racing 2-piston at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided hoses. In addition, Lotus own track-tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system is claimed to enhance braking performance and minimise stopping distance.

Performance is estimated at 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and 0-100mph in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 155mph.

January 2007 - Development